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Health advice on keeping cool and well during hot weather

24/07/2018

This summer has been one of the hottest summers since records began. As many of us revel in the hot summer sunshine, others are at risk of getting sunstroke and heatstroke. We're seeing increasing numbers of patients who are suffering as a result of the continued hot weather in this area.

Staying cool and healthy

Prevention is key in hot weather and there are three steps you should take:

•keep hydrated
•keep yourself cool
•keep your home cool.

You might also want to check up on your elderly relatives, friends and neighbours too. Remember - you should only call 999 in an emergency. Your local GP and pharmacist are able to give advice, and you can call 111 for information too.

Becoming unwell in the heat

Symptoms like sickness or nausea, headaches, heavy sweating, dizziness and fainting, and tiredness can all be signs of heat exhaustion.

While most people in good health will not suffer these symptoms if they drink enough water and seek out shade and cooler places, older people, young children, and people with underlying heart or lung conditions are at more risk.

Dehydration also increases the risk of a fall.

If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down. Public Health England has issued the following instructions to cool someone down, and they should feel better within 30 minutes.

Move them to a cool place

Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly

Get them to drink plenty of water: sports or rehydration drinks are OK

Cool their skin - spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them: cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too